DETERMINANTS OF PREGNANCY AMONG YOUNG FEMALES IN UGANDA AGED 15-29 YEARS, A CROSS-SECTIONAL ANALYSIS.

Gabriel  Wasswa; James  Kizza

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v5i3.1003

Authors

Gabriel Wasswa Assistant Lecturer, School of Economics, Makerere University.
James Kizza Lecturer, Department of Economics, Kyambogo University.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v5i3.1003

Keywords:

Determinants, Adolescents, Young females, Pregnancy, Fertility

Abstract

Background

Uganda grapples with a significant global total fertility rate of 5.4, marked by a growing youth demographic aged 15 to 29 and elevated pregnancy rates. This poses a pivotal challenge to Uganda's Vision 2040. This study aims to scrutinize the determinants of youth pregnancy in Uganda.

Methods

Utilizing data from the 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey, this study focuses on a sample comprising 10,900 women aged 15-29 years. A multiple logistic regression with the binary outcome variable "ever got pregnant" is estimated, using dummy variables as predictors. The model assesses the odds of pregnancy among young females, contrasting those who have ever been pregnant with those who have not. Model specification is validated through the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test, with acceptance of the null hypothesis indicating a well-fitted model based on the F-statistic and p-value.

Results

This study unveils a substantial prevalence of pregnancy among young females (62.4%). Those who completed secondary or higher education exhibit a lower likelihood of ever getting pregnant (OR=0.26, 95% CI 0.14-0.50; OR=0.18, 95% CI 0.11-0.29) compared to their uneducated counterparts. Literacy levels reduce the odds of pregnancy, while ownership of a mobile phone or listening to the radio increases them. Additionally, higher wealth quintiles correlate with reduced odds of ever getting pregnant (poorer OR=0.78, 95% CI 0.65-0.94; middle OR=0.53, 95% CI 0.42-0.65; richer OR=0.44, 95% CI 0.35-0.56; richest OR=0.37, 95% CI 0.28-0.48). Notably, the likelihood of pregnancy increases among contraceptive users (OR=3.48, 95% CI 2.84-4.26) and with age progression (20-24 years: OR=13.44, 95% CI 11.46-15.77; 25-29 years: OR=74.91, 95% CI 57.87-96.96).

Conclusion

Pregnancy odds decline with higher education, wealth quintile, and literacy rate but rise with contraceptive use, radio listening, age, and mobile phone ownership.

Recommendation

Ensure Comprehensive education, sexual reproductive health campaigns, and initiatives empowering the youth.